If you ask 10 different Disney fans about their favorite traditions at Walt Disney World, you’ll likely receive 10 different answers. But if you ask that same question to 10 different Disney fans who’ve been going to the Vacation Kingdom since it first opened in 1971, the odds are good that quite a few of them will mention visiting Fort Wilderness.
Walt Disney World’s Campground opened in November of 1971, and ever since, it’s had a small and devoted community of guests who swear that, at the end of the day, the Fort Wilderness experience is the best way to vacation at WDW. But even if you aren’t a Fort Wilderness groupie, there are plenty of reasons to check out this rustic, classic piece of Disneyana – history, value, and uniqueness being principal among them.
If you do, perchance, decide to rough it on your next trip to Walt Disney World, here are six things that you just have to do while staying under the stars at Fort Wilderness.
1. Grill out
Each campsite and cabin at Fort Wilderness comes with a small charcoal grill that’s perfect for a classic campground cook out. If you forgot to load up on supplies before checking in, there are two convenient trading posts at either end of the resort (accessible by bus) that sell all the fixings required for delicious burgers, hot dogs, and sides. And if you did plan ahead, it’s actually a pretty cost-conscious way to dine.
But more importantly, Disney’s regular dining experiences aren’t always the best for socializing or relaxing. While the food at Walt Disney World can be astoundingly delicious, there’s something to be said for just kicking back in the outdoors with a grilled burger, laughing with your family and friends, and enjoying the quiet company of the people you went on vacation with. After a day of regimented fun at the theme parks, a meal like that can be quite reinvigorating.
2. Watch an outdoor movie
While outdoor movies are a mainstay of the Disney resort experience, none do it with quite the same level of pomp and circumstance as Fort Wilderness. The whole event is known as Chip n Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-Long, and takes place every single night at the campground. And, most importantly, it’s free.
The show begins with a cowboy performing a few classic songs before being joined by Chip and Dale for some more sing-a-long fun. Meanwhile, kids can roast marshmallows over the nearby campfires and scope out seats for the evening’s film.
The movies are shown on a large, purpose-built screen – not one of those inflatable screens you might see at other resorts. Surrounding it are dozens of wooden benches and steel bleachers providing ample room for any guests who wish to attend. The films run the gamut from Disney classics like The Little Mermaid and Sleeping Beauty all the way up to the modern blockbusters like Frozen and Cars.
All in all, it’s a great experience and a wonderful way to end the night. And, you know, it’s free.
3. Visit the Tri-Circle-D Ranch
One of the particularly cool facets of Fort Wilderness is the Tri-Circle-D Ranch – an area of the resort dedicated to housing some of Disney’s equine cast members: the horses. There are actually two separate ranch areas – one is for the horseback rides for guests, while the other houses the horses that perform in the Resort’s parades and shows. Both experiences are very cool, and rather unique to Fort Wilderness.
Most importantly, the cast members who work in these areas are very knowledgable and care deeply about the horses in their care. If you have any questions, or if you’re a trainer yourself, they’re always eager to share information about the animals they love.
4. Enjoy the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
When Walt Disney World first opened, each of its resorts featured a dinner show. The Contemporary Resort included the Top of the World – a restaurant/lounge that hosted musical acts and, later, a Broadway-style revue (it was later replaced with the California Grill). The Polynesian Village Resort hosted its tropical luau show that still runs today. And, keeping with that tradition, Fort Wilderness had the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
The show is essentially a western-themed, family-friendly vaudeville act, featuring singing, dancing, and some light-hearted comedy. Perhaps most importantly, the show includes an all-you-can-eat meal consisting of fried chicken and BBQ ribs and such.
The Hoop-Dee-Do Musical Revue is particularly fun as an artifact of early Disney charm – an experience removed from the corporate brand synergy we’re familiar with today, and instead focused on giving families a rollickin’ good time. Plus, who doesn’t love all-you-can-eat fried chicken?
5. Go during the holidays
Fort Wilderness is always charming, but much as Walt Disney World transforms into a unique version of itself during the holidays, so too does Fort Wilderness find itself made over beautifully during the wintry months.
But it’s not just the cast members who give the resort that elaborate holiday theme – it’s the guests too. Year after year, Fort Wilderness fans return in their RVs and tents decorated to the nines with lights, ornaments, inflatable Santa Clauses and so on. The entire resort transforms itself into a charming holiday-themed neighborhood, with friendly guests checking out each other’s decorations and sharing hot chocolate under the stars. Walking around the resort becomes an attraction unto itself, with each campsite topping the last in originality and creativity.
And the community you can form with your fellow celebratory guests adds just another layer of magic onto your Disney trip.
6. Do absolutely nothing
Image: Disney
The immense popularity of Walt Disney World lends itself to fans and guests each having their own “best kept secrets.” But, perhaps the most well-kept secret of all is exactly why Fort Wilderness captures so many imaginations. It is, quite simply, because it does not feel like Walt Disney World.
When you wake up each morning or go to bed each night, you’re out in nature – whether you’re in a tent, RV, or cabin. You wake up to the sounds of nature and you experience it viscerally. It’s the opposite of the theme parks – natural, peaceful, and serene.
At the end of the day, you’re choosing to stay at a campground for a reason. Amid all the hustling from park to park, the dining reservations and Fastpass+ arrangements, the buses, the planes, the stores, and the walking, it’s important to take time to sit down in the beautiful outdoors and do absolutely nothing. The theme parks are great, but there comes a time when you need to take a moment and slow down.
After all, it’s your vacation. You’ve earned the right to relax.
